Christmas Day in the City

Christmas time is my absolute favorite time of the year. As kids, we spent Christmas Eve night bedded down on the floor, eyes fixed upon the faint glimmer of light and shadows seeping through the crack beneath the bedroom door, and ear pressed against the warm hard wood in (almost) silent anticipation of any vestige of the arrival of dear St. Nick (or at least I did). After learning the truth behind the existence of Father Christmas, the "magic" behind the season seems to evanesce with each new year for most children. As a child of 26, Christmas "spirit" seems to be more of a grand and ambitious achievement rather than a magical feeling these days. Every year I adorn my apartment or home with festive decor, put How the Grinch Stole Christmas on a loop, and tune in to my favorite Christmas stations...

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The Urban Existentialist

And so begins a new blog; a new outlet. I’ve been relatively absent from the world of social networking for the past year and a half or so. Once an avid writer and composer, I now attempt to ease my way back into this congested virtual landscape. The possibility of re-submitting my everyday thoughts, opinions, and often fleeting and ill-conceived conjectures to “the grid” and making my sentiments available to public eye once more has been a thought I’ve been toying with for the past few months. Although I’m not sure just how much time and energy I can dedicate this time around, I feel that having the readily available option and means to vent, rant, objurgate, or publically praise any topic I feel the need to make known on a large scale (rather than spend 15 minutes conjuring up a witty one-liner...

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Hello Chief - Pantry Ants Review

I'm sitting outside on a muggy Beaumont evening, laptop alive and buzzing on an aged wooded picnic table along Westgate Drive. In the distance I can hear cars streaking down Dowlen splashing tiny puddles of water onto the grassy curb. The smoke from a Marlboro Smooth 100 drifting from my hand does little to scatter the swarm of tiny mosquitos circling around my head. The bright LED glow of my computer screen is simply too inviting, and I've given up all hope of sharing this evening alone. As I scroll through my iTunes playlist searching for the perfect compliment to my reanimated morning coffee, the playful album art of a certain local favorite catches my eye as it has so many times before. My computer speakers come to life, and the air is filled with an ambient stuttered loop that reminds me of distorted...

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I am Immortal. I am everlasting. I am eternal.

I am immortal. I am everlasting. I am eternal. When the cruel damnation of a barbarous existence beats with iron fists upon my door, I AM UNWAVERING. When the knavish fingers of temptation's imploring hand reach out toward my reestablished calm, I AM FIRM. When the rigors and asperities of a squandered domain bid me doth arrive, I AM RESOLUTE. When the drunken cries of an addlebrained generation resound with charm and temporary resplendency, I AM UNDAUNTED. Of cretins and fools I am a foreigner. Of villains and dastards I am an alien. Of liars and thieves I am an outlander. Of scoundrels and perverts I am a stranger. When the mighty reach of redeeming love tenderly raps upon my door, I AM ADMISSIVE. When the benevolent hymns of a forgiven guild echo throughout all creation, I AM RECEPTIVE. When amorous interest creeps timidly, tenderly into my sight and within my reach, I AM CAUTIOUS. When true and unshakable love glides in implicit beauty down a road less traveled, I'LL BE READY. Of...

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We Were Wolves - Lost at Sea EP Album Review

Let me begin this article by saying that I've had the privilege to be a part of the Southeast Texas music scene for over 10 years now. I've personally witnessed the rise and fall of many a local band as fans tend to fade alongside the initial hype, often the mere product of a sense of newness rather than legitimate buzz. I've also watched many of the prominent local acts, over the years, pack and leave the area in search of greener pastures. I can remember growing up in this area attending local shows hosted by Rock City, Ten Shades of Grey, Bennington, My Lucky Cardigan, Fung Shui, Fast Lassie, Deconai, and Dwelling Stellar. That era was a keen time to be a teenager in Southeast Texas and a pivotal part of the development of this area's local music culture. Looking back now, I acknowledge that our...

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